Professional Background

• Assistant Research Professor, Geoscience Department, University of Nevada,    Las Vegas: Beginning August 2008
• Ph.D., Geology, University of California, Davis: 2008
• Research Assistant, Electron Microprobe Laboratory, University of California,    Davis: 2005-2008
• B.S., Geology, Virginia Tech: 2002
• A.S., Geology, Northern Virginia Community College: 2000

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Research Interests

Dr. Sean Mulcahy is fundamentally interested in the mechanics and rheology of continental lithospheric deformation within convergent margins and collisional orogens. He combines regional mapping and structural analysis, microstructural observation of deformation mechanisms, thermobarometry, and geochronology to test predictions of the kinematic history, rheologic evolution, and pressure--temperature-time paths that are inherent to models of continental deformation. His current and future research aims to address three fundamental aspects of continental deformation: 1)Strain localization and shear zone rheology, 2) Interactions between melting and deformation, and 3) Exhumation of high and ultra-high pressure metamorphic rocks.

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Selected Publications

Mulcahy, S.R., Roeske, S.M., McClelland, W.C., Jourdan, F., Renne, P.R., and Vervoort, J.D., 2007, Dating ductile deformation with combined Lu-Hf and Ar-Ar geochronology: American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting.

Mulcahy, S.R., Roeske, S.M., McClelland, W.C., Nomade, S., and Renne, P.R., 2007, Cambrian initiation of the Las Pirquitas thrust of the western Sierras Pampeanas, Argentina: Implications for the tectonic evolution of the proto-Andean margin of South America: Geology, v. 35, p. 443-446.

Day, H.W., and Mulcahy, S.R., 2007, Excess silica in omphacite and the formation of free silica in eclogite: Journal of Metamorphic Geology, v. 25, p. 35-70.

Mulcahy, S.R., Roeske, S.M., McClelland, W.C., Ellis, J.R., and Vujovich, G.I., 2006, Lower crustal migmatization via advective heating during intra-arc shortening, western Sierras Pampeanas, Argentina: American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting.

Mulcahy, S.R., and Day, H.W., 2005, Excess silica in stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric clinopyroxene: American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting.

Mulcahy, S.R., Roeske, S.M., McClelland, W.C., Ellis, J.R., Nomade, S., and Vujovich, G.I., 2005a, The role of pre-existing anisotropies and partial melt in controlling strain localization in a Paleozoic lower crustal suture zone, Sierras Pampeanas, west-central Argentina: Abstracts with Programs-Geological Society of America, v. 37, p. 53.

Mulcahy, S.R., Roeske, S.M., McClelland, W.C., Ellis, J.R., Nomade, S., and Vujovich, G.I., 2005b, Timing and nature of forearc deformation and trenchward migration of the Famatina arc during accretion of the Precordillera terrane: Gondwana Research Conference.

Mulcahy, S.R., McClelland, W.C., Roeske, S.M., Vujovich, G.I., and Cain, J.C., 2003, U-Pb zircon analysis from the western Sierras Pampeanas, northwest Argentina: evidence for a complex Proterozoic through Silurian tectonic history: Abstracts with Programs-Geological Society of America, v. 35, p. 344.

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